Machine for and method of automatically making partition assemblies from precut partition strips

ABSTRACT

This is a novel machine for and method of automatically forming partition assemblies from precut longitudinal and transverse partition strips. The machine includes a long frame, at one end of which is a transversely reciprocatable guillotine type structure which in each flight drives a predetermined number of supplied longitudinal partition strips edgewise on a table and in aligned spaced hoppers. Each such rank of strips is moved edgewise while guided along the table by a continuously moving transverse flight bar to and through an assembly zone where a stationary guillotine type structure successively drives a predetermined number of transverse partition strips into engagement with the longitudinal partition strips as they are moved along to form a complete partition assembly, which the flight bar moves to an adjacent structure. This action is continuous. The machine has capacity for making two complete aligned partition assemblies simultaneously, and it is designed to assemble partition strips of solid fiber, or chipboard, corrugated board, and the like.

United States Patent Johnson Mar. 26, 1974 MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF Primary Examiner-Andrew R. Juhasz Assistant ExaminerLeon Gilden Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Rogers, Ezell & Eilers STRIPS 75 I Albe D h D [57] ABSTRACT nvemor' J0 nson Samt avlds This is a novel machine for and method of automati- [73] Assignee: Systems Engineering Company, King cally forming partition assemblies from precut longituof Prussia, Pa. dinal and transverse partition strips. The machine includes a long frame, at one end of which is a trans- [22] Flled' 1971 versely reciprocatable guillotine type structure which [21] Appl. No.: 174,054 in each flight drives a predetermined number of supplied longitudinal partition strips edgewise on a table 52 us. Cl 93/37 R ahgned Space? P .Each such rank [5]] 1m Cl B3) 1/00 strips is moved edgewise while guided along the table [581 mid o;g'aattjijjj3J3;JJJIJJJJiJJJJJJJJJJJ:3.... 93/37 R by o oooooooooy movooo floooo oo oo through an assembly zone where a stationary guillo- [561 Remms CM 332L311? LSZLZZZFiZZiZIIZZ Z351 1132511111 UNITED STATES PATENTS with the longitudinal partition strips as they are moved 3,626,8[8 12/1971 AIlSOn....-... 93/37 R along [0 form a complete partiticm assembly, which $133,481 5/1964 Mccmmlfk 93/37 R the flight bar moves to an adjacent structure. This acig gff z 93/37 R tion is continuous. The machine has capacity for mak- 5 41/31 5 2 i ing two complete aligned partition assemblies simulta- 3:374:7l6 3/1968 L, 93 37 R neously, and it is designed to assemble partition strips dwne e a of solid fiber, or chipboard, corrugated board, and the like.

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I ll I IIIIIl-IIIIIIIIIL PATENTEDIIARZG m4 SHEH 06 OF H I-unl- II llllllllllllll 27;; "MW T PATENTED W126 I974 sum 07 0F 11 MACHINE FOR AND METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY MAKING PARTITION ASSEMBLIES FROM PRECUT PARTITION STRIPS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the partition assembly art, and more particularly to a novel machine for and a method of automatically forming partition assemblies or assembled partitions from precut partition strips, and to novel subassemblies of the machine.

2. Description of the Prior Art Thousands of patents have been granted in the partition assembly and related arts. Many improvements have been developed. Numerous such machines are in service today. However, there has long existed in the industry the need for better apparatus. The present disclosed novel machine and method supply the long felt need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In brief, the present novel machine for and method of automatically forming assembled partitions from precut partition strips of solid or corrugated board in-. cludes an elongated frame which is bridged at one end by a second frame supporting a novel transversely reciprocatable guillotine type strip feeder structure which drives downward into aligned novel adjustable hoppers below and onto a table in edgewise positions a predetermined number of longitudinal partition strips in each flight or one way trip. Endless travel pusher bars on endless chains move the ranks of longitudinal partition strips along the table through novel adjustable guides to and through an assembly zone where a novel stationary guillotine type strip feeder structure drives transverse partition strips into engagement with the former strips as they travel. The pusher bars convey the assembled partitions from the table as the former start their return travel. Different novel control means are provided for cooperatively actuating or firing each of the strip feeder structures.

Objects of the present invention are to provide a novel machine for and method of automatically forming assembled partitions from precut partition strips which fulfill the long need in the art for a better machine and method, which are adapted selectively to form partition assemblies of precut strips of solid fiber, as chipboard, or corrugated board, which make better assembled partitions faster than heretofore obtained, which are capable of forming substantially twice as many good assembled partitions in a given period of time as a comparable machine and method in the art in that selectively two complete partitions can be formed simultaneously, which are relatively simple in the mechanisms comprising the machine and employed in the method, which require minimum floor space, which are rugged giving long service with minimum maintenance, which are relatively inexpensive for the dual work accomplished, and which otherwise fulfill the objects and advantages sought.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a partition assembling machine incorporating the principles of the present invention, hydraulic lines and electric wiring being omitted for clarity of disclosure (Sheet 1);

FIG. 2 is an enlarged end elevational view thereof, looking from the right in FIG. 1 (Sheet 2);

FIG. 3 is a further enlarged fragmentary crosssectional view, partly in side elevation, taken on substantially the line 3-3 of FIG. 2, parts being broken away for space conservation (Sheet 2);

FIG. 4 is an enlarged vertical longitudinal fragmentary cross-sectional view, some parts being in elevation across the longitudinal strips handling section of the machine, taken on substantially the line 4-4 of FIG. 2 (Sheet 3);

FIG. 5 is a horizontal fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 5-5 of FIG. 4 (Sheet 3);

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 6-6 of FIG. 2, some parts being in elevation and some parts being broken away for clarity of illustration (Sheet 7);

FIG. 7 is a further enlarged fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 77 of FIG. 6 (Sheet 7);

FIG. 8 is a vertical transverse fragmentary crosssectional view taken on substantially the line 8-8 of FIG. 4 (Sheet 5);

FIG. 9 is a horizontal fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 9-9 of FIG. 8 (Sheet 5);

FIG. 10 is a further enlarged vertical transverse fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 10-10 of FIG. 14 (Sheet 5);

FIG. 11 is a vertical longitudinal reduced fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 11-11 of FIG. 10 (Sheet 5);

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the upper right portion of FIG. 2, parts being in vertical section and parts in elevation for clarity (Sheet 6);

FIG. 13 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 13-13 of FIG. 12 (Sheet 6);

FIG. 14 is a vertical transverse cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 14-14 of FIG. 13 (Sheet 6);

FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 15-15 of FIG. 14 (Sheet 6);

FIG. 16 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the longitudinal strip handling section of the machine, taken on substantially the line 16-16 of FIG. 1 (Sheet FIG. 17 is an enlarged end elevational view of said machine, looking from the left in FIG. 1, the transverse partition strip feeding unit being broken away for clarity, parts being in section for illustration and parts being broken away for clarity and space conservation (Sheet 8);

FIG. 18 is a horizontal fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 18-18 of FIG. 17 (Sheet 8);

FIG. 19 is a further enlarged horizontal fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 19-19 of FIG. 17 (Sheet 7);

FIG. 20 is an enlarged vertical transverse crosssectional view through one-half of the transverse partition strip hopper, taken on substantially the line 2020 of FIG. 1 (Sheet 9);

FIGS. 21 and 22 are further enlarged vertical longitudinal cross-sectional views taken on substantially the lines 2121 and 22 22, respectively, of FIG. 20 (Sheets 9 and 1 respectively);

FIG. 23 is an enlarged vertical transverse fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 2323 of FIG. 1 (Sheet 9);

FIG. 24 is a vertical longitudinal fragmentary crosssectional view taken on substantially the line 2424 of FIG. 23 (Sheet 10);

FIG. 25 is a further enlarged vertical transverse cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 2525 of FIG. 24 (Sheet 10);

FIG. 26 is a further enlarged fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 26-26 of FIG. 24 (Sheet 10);

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 2727 of FIG. 24 (Sheet 10);

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of two longitudinal strip fragments and two transverse strip fragments (Sheet 7);

FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross-sectional view of the control mechanism for the transverse strips handling section, taken on substantially the line 29-29 of FIG. 17, parts being broken away for clarity (Sheet FIG. 30 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 30-30 of FIG. 29 (Sheet 5);

FIG. 31 is a further enlarged vertical transverse cross-sectional view taken on substantially the line 3l--31 of FIG. 29 (Sheet 5); and

FIG. 32 is a schematic wiring diagram (Sheet 11).

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings more particularly by reference numerals, 40 indicates generally a novel partition assembling machine including the teachings of the present invention. Broadly, the machine 40 comprises an elongated frame 42 extending the full length of the machine 40. A second frame 44 bridges one end portion of the elongated frame 42 and supports a trans versely reciprocatable guillotine type strip feeder structure 46 which receives precut longitudinal partition strips and successively delivers them downwardly in edgewise ranks onto one end of a conveyor belt structure 48 in predetermined numbers in each one way movement thereof. A third frame 50 bridges the other end of the elongated frame 42 and supports a stationary guillotine type strip feeder structure 52 which receives precut transverse partition strips and drives them into ranks of longitudinal partition strips advancing thereunder on the conveyor belt structure 48 to form comand 17). Each plate 55 and 56 rests upon conventional adjustable feet 59.

The second frame 44 bridging the right end portion of the frame 42 includes four hollow square corner posts 62, two adjacent the outer face of the plate 55 and being secured together by a horizontal member 63, as shown in FIG. 1, and two adjacent the outer face of the plate 56 and being secured together by a similar member 63. Each post 62 rests on a resilient pad 64. Resilient bracing is provided for the posts 62 in the form of spaced heavy gauge angle brackets 65 bolted to the plates 55 and 56 and resilient pads 66 between posts 62 and the free sides of the angle brackets 65 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

The reciprocatable guillotine type structure 46 includes a rectangular base 70, which is secured on the upper ends of the posts 62 and comprises horizontal longitudinal end members 71, horizontal transverse side members 72, and vertically extending heavy gauge corner plates 73 integrated by welding, or as desired. A rod 74 of substantial diameter is mounted in each pair of opposed corner plates 73 against movement (FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 16). An elongated block 75 is mounted on each rod 74 for reciprocating sliding movement thereon. Extending upwardly from and mounted to each block 75 is a structural member 76, the the upper end of each of which is secured to an end of the horizontal top member 77 of a frame 69, which includes a horizontal bottom frame member 78 secured at its end portions to the bottoms of the two blocks 75 (FIGS. 6, and 12). Vertical side members 79 complete the frame 69. A thick vertically disposed plate 80 is secured to the front edges of the four members of the frame 69, which has four vertical slots 81 and vertical passages 82 at the sides of each. Leading from each passage 82 are vertically spaced small apertures 83 for a purpose described below. Disposed in each slot 81 for vertical reciprocation therein is the offset lower part of a member 86, a partition feeding finger 87 being secured to the free end of said lower part (FIGS. 12-15). The finger 87 has an upper front portion which extends a little beyond the face of the plate 80, terminating in a horizontal overhang 88 adapted to engage the top edge of a longitudinal partition strip 99 pressed against the face of the plate 80 for moving the strip 90 downwardly towards and onto the conveyor belt structure 48. The upper portion of the member 86 is of a crosssection to slide in a channel 92 formed by opposed strips 93 secured to the back of the plate 80 adjacent each slot 81 (FIG. 15). The four members 86 are secured to a horizontal edgewise disposed plate 94 by screws, or the like, for simultanious reciprocation. The plate 94 is mounted to a split collar 95 by screws, or the like, the latter being clamped in conventional manner to the lower end of a piston rod 96. Mounted to and extending from one side of the split collar 95 is a metal actuating plate 97 for actuating a conventional horse shoe type magnetic limit switch 98 secured to a member 99 extending up from the horizontal frame member 78 (FIGS. 6, 12, and 13). Beneath the split collar 95 on the member 78 is a resilient bumper 100 therefor, the collar 95 having an enlarged base for distributing the impact. The piston rod 96 has an adjustable split collar 103 secured near its upper end to predeterminately limit upper travel, said collar 103 engaging a resilient bumper 104. The piston rod 96 extends through the member 77 and into an air cylinder 105 for conventional engagement with, for movement by, a two-way air actuated piston (not shown). The cylinder is secured to the member 77, air connections 106 and 107 being provided for introducing air above and below the piston in usual manner, further referred to below.

For reciprocating the guillotine type longitudinal partition strip feeding structure 46 transversely of the machine 40, a downwardly directed horizontal rack 110 is secured to the inwardly directed face of each sliding block 75 for movement therewith by an upwardly directed tin or plate 111, integral with or secured to the rack 110 (FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 6). The racks 110 and associated plates 111 extend forwardly a substantial distance from the blocks 75. A conventional hydraulic motor 112, which may be a gear type positive displacement motor made by Char Lynn, is bolted or otherwise secured to a block 113 which is suspended from the side member 72 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The motor 112 has a driven shaft 114 which has rotative support in conventional bearings 115 secured to the front member 71. The shaft 114 extends beneath the racks 110 and has two gears 116 secured thereto, one operatively engaging the teeth of each rack 110. Fluid lines 118 and 119 supply and return an operating fluid to the motor 112 under operative automatic control, as is described below. An alternating current motor 120 indicated in FIG. 32 is provided to develop necessary hydraulic fluid pressure for this operating fluid, its magnetic motor starter being shown associated therewith. A coil 126 for closing the three sets of contacts of such starter is shown below the motor 120, adjacent which are two normally closed overheat switches for protecting the motor 120. Rotation of the shaft 114 first in one direction and then in the other moves the racks 110 and the partition strip feed structure 46 transversely back and forth for deposit of longitudinal partition strips 90, as demanded by the controls.

For actuating the piston rod 96 as the partition strip feeding structure 46 is reciprocated back and forth, an upper set of twelve switch trippers 121 and a lower set of twelve switch trippers 122 are mounted on an edgewise positioned transversely disposed plate 123 secured to and extending up from the inner side member 72 (FIGS. 4, 6, 12, and 16). Spaced notches 124 and openings 125 are provided for removably mounting the upper trippers 121 and the lower trippers 122, respectively (FIG. 12). It will be understood that each of the trippers 121 and 122 may be removed individually so that only the required number will remain for switch tripping action. Mounted on a bar 127 for adjustment therealong are an upper conventional limit switch 128 for actuation by the upper trippers 121 and a lower conventional limit switch 129 for actuation by the lower trippers 122, which may be BZ-RW- 922-A2. The bar 127 is supported by and between small vertical plates 130 welded or otherwise secured to the inner structural member 76 for movement of the switches 128 and 129 with the strip feeding structure 46. It will be understood that in only one or the other direction of movement of the strip feeding structure 46, the upper switch 128 is actuated by each of the operatively set trippers 121, and on the return movement the operatively set trippers 122 actuate the lower switch 129.

A stationary cam tripper 132 is mounted on the other block 75. To reverse the movement direction of the structure 46, it trips the levers 133 of spaced conventional limit switches 134 and 135 slidably adjustably mounted on a square rod 136 having right angularly turned ends welded or otherwise secured to the outer side member 72 (FIGS. 4, 6, 16). Each lever 133 has a cam rider wheel 137 at its free end.

A longitudinal partition strip magazine or feeder 140 is mounted in front of the plate 80. An edgewise disposed plate 141 is secured to the forward ends of the spaced racks 110 and associated plates 111. Viewing FIGS. 1, 12 and 16, a bent bar 142 is welded or otherwise secured to the right edge of the plate 141, extends upwardly from and then parallel with and above said plate 141 and is welded or otherwise secured to an upwardly extending wide bar 143 welded or otherwise secured to the left edge of said plate 141, thereby forming an inverted U. Two or more spaced parallel slats 144 are welded or otherwise secured to the bight of said U and slope downwardly to the base of the plate 80. An inverted U-brace 145 secured to the parallel plates 111 supports the slats 144 intermediate their ends. In FIG. 12, the position of the strips 90 in respect to the front face of the plate 80 is illustrated, the innermost strip 90 being flat against the plate 80. To assist in obtaining flat engagement of the innermost strip 90 against the plate 80, a presser plate 148 is disposed against the outer most strip 90. The presser plate 148 is secured to a sleeve 149 which slides and rotates on a rod 150 bolted or otherwise secured at its upper end to the upper free end of said upwardly extending wide bar 143. At its lower end, the rod 150 is welded or otherwise secured to the vertical edge of the side member 79. Also secured to the sleeve is a handle 151, as is the upper end of a flexible wire or cable 152, the other end of said cable 152 being secured to the rotatable shaft of a spring biased and actuated rewind unit 153 mounted on the rear edge of the member 79 near its upper end. The cable 152 is trained over a pulley 155 mounted to the side of the member 79 (FIGS. 2, 6, and 12). The upper portion of the wide bar 143 includes a flange having a notch 156 for engagement by the handle 151 during loading of the longitudinal partition strip magazine 140. It is evident that the presser plate 148 under the spring action of the rewind unit 153 urges the pack of strips 90 towards the plate 80, and that this pressure is relieved for reloading by taking the pressure plate 148 to the rear by use of the handle 151, which may then be engaged in the notch 156 during reloading.

An additional means to aid in holding the innermost strip 90 against the face of the plate 80 is provided in the form of a vacuum system including a vacuum manifold 160 secured to and across the front of the plate 80 about a third of the way from the top (FIGS. 1, 2, 6, 12, and 16). A conventional connection 161 leads from the manifold 160 to any provided source of vacuum. Openings 162 in the manifold 160 correspond to openings 163 in the plate 80 leading into the vertical passages 82 near their upper limit (FIG. 12). Upon pulling a vacuum on the manifold 160, previously mentioned small apertures in the plate 80 leading to said passages 82 in the area of the innermost strip 90 will be effective in drawing said strip 90 firmly against the plate 80. This vacuum also helps overcome the tendency of the fingers 87 to push the succeeding strip 90 upwardly on the formers upstroke after pushing a strip 90 downwardly. Spaced partitionstrip stops 164 of the form shown are secured to a horizontal bar 165 adjustably mounted to the face of the plate 80 by slotted elongated end blocks 166 (FIGS. 6, 12, 13, 14, and 17). The blunt lower ends of the stop 164 are engaged by the partition strips 90 in any upward movement thereof, thereby preventing upward movement.

Beneath the movement path of the longitudinal partition strip feed structure 46 are spaced hoppers 167 for receiving and directing downwardly fed strips 90 onto the conveyor belt structure 48 and maintaining them in substantially edgewise position (FIG. 12). A pair of opposed structural cross frames 168 of reverse U-form are mounted outwardly of the transverse members 72 (FIG. 4), each including opposed inwardly converging legs 169, those of the left frame 168 being of specifically different configuration from those of the right, bolted to the upper flanges of the plates 55 and 56 and a connecting bight 170 of right angle cross section (FIGs. 2, 4, and 12). Bolted to the depending flange of the bight 170 of each structural form 168 are thirteen brackets 171. The depending portions of each pair of opposed brackets 171 are secured to upper corners of and support a doubled-back metal sheet 172 of the cross section illustrated in FIG. 12. Each metal sheet 172 extends the full distance between the side members 72 (FIG. 4). It is to be noted that partition strips 90 are guided between adjacent metal sheets 172, each two adjacent sheets defining a hopper 167 (FIG. 12). For adjusting the effective distance between the lower portions of adjacent metal sheets 172, to one leg of each sheet 172 near the lower edge and at each end an internally threaded sleeve segment 174 is welded (FIGS. 9-12). A stud bolt 175 carrying a knurled wheel 176 fixed to the bolt head is adjustably mounted in each sleeve segment 174, being held in selected adjusted position by a lock nut 173. The knurled wheel 176 extends below and is trapped by the lower return flange of the other leg of the sheet 172, so that rotation of the wheel 176 draws said one leg closer to said other leg or moves it further away, depending upon direction of rotation, thereby increasing or decreasing the partition strip passage between sheets 172.

Vertically spaced parallel pairs of guide wires or cables 178, 179 and 180 are provided for guiding each longitudinal partition strip 90 from its point of departure from between sheets 172 to a point adjacent the stationary guillotine type strip feed structure 52 (FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 8, 12, 16, and 19). Each wire 178, 179 and 180 is secured at the'right end to a tension spring 181 which are hooked around or otherwise secured to a transversely disposed row of vertical rods 182 mounted at top and bottom in spaced openings in parallel upper and lower members 183 and 184. An inverted support U-frame 188 of right angle cross-section includes vertical legs 189 mounted to the top flanges of the plates 55 and 56 and a transverse horizontal bight 190 braced at each side to the legs 169 by brackets 191. A vertical channel member 192 is secured to each leg 189 with the opening to the right and has secured therein upper and lower guide members 193 having a slot 194 and adjacent upper and lower cam blocks 195 (FIGS. 4 and The guide members 193 and cam blocks 195 may be integral. A vertical rotatable shaft 196 is disposed in each pair of slots 194 and extends through openings in the upper and lower members 183 and 184. Two spaced cams 197 are secured to each shaft 196 for rotation therewith, one cam 197 being disposed above the lower guide member 193 and in contact with the adjacent cam block 195, and the other cam 197 being below the upper guide member 193 and in contact with the adjacent cam block 195. Each cam 197 has a flat portion 200 which locks it in the position of FIG. 5. Secured to the upper end of each shaft 196 is a long lever arm 198 for rotation thereof (FIG. 16). A cover plate 201 of right angular cross-section is connected to the outer edges of the upper and lower members 183 and 184. It will be understood that the left ends of the wires 178, 179, and 180 are anchored, which is referred to below. Preferably, when the lever arms 198 are in the position of FIG. 16, the greatest depth of the cams 197 is effective. The flat portions 200 engage the cam blocks 195, and the springs 181 are in maximum tension. With the lever arms 198 extended outwardly and parallel, minimum tension is obtained.

The wires 178, 179, and 180 extend between the diverging legs of the metal sheets 172, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 10 and 12. Between the metal sheets 172 and the stationary guillotine structure 52, each pair of superposed wires 178 and 179 supports a partition strip guide plate 205 of the cross section shown, alternate plates 205 being reversed positionwise to define partition strip channels 206 (FIGS. 8, 9, and 25). Means are provided for adjusting the widths of the channels 206 at their right ends near the hoppers 167 to insure proper continuations of the channels formed by the adjustable metal sheets 172 (FIGS. 4, 8, 9, and 16). Offset transverse horizontal shafts 208 and 209 are supported by the top portions of opposed legs 169 against rotation, each slidably receiving a plurality of collars 210 and 21 1, respectively, secured thereon in adjusted positions by setscrews. Depending from the collars 210 and 211 are rods 212 and 213, respectively, which extend between the partition strip guide plates 205 in the manner clearly shown in FIG. 8. There is a rigid relationship between said related depending rods, collars and shaft, hence, adjustment of the collars 210 and 211 along the shafts 208 and 209, respectively, effects transverse adjustment of the engaged plates 205. It will be understood, considering FIG. 8, that either rod 212 or 213 of a pair of tandem rods may be employed to move one of two adjacent plates 205 and the other rod employed to move the other plate 205.

Adjustably mounted on the rear vertical leg 169 is the light source 215 of a conventional photocell by means of a plate 216. A conventional toggle switch 214 is provided for energizing and de-energizing the light source 215. Adjustably mounted on the front leg 169 are the normally closed contacts 217 by means of a plate 218 (FIGS. 1, 4, and 16). Should an upwardly displaced longitudinal partition strip move between the light source 215 and contacts 217, the conveyor belt structure 48 will be stopped on opening of the contacts 217, thereby preventing jamming at the assembly area due to the displaced strip 90 (FIG. 32).

At the left of the machine 40'is the bridging third frame 50 adjustably supporting the stationary guillotine type strip feeder 52 in operative position. The frame 50 includes front and rear hollow vertical structural columns 220 and 221, respectively, viewing FIGS. 1 and 17, generally of square cross section, which are connected at the tops by a transverse channel member 222. At the bottom of each column 220 and 221 is a resilient foot 223. The columns 220 and 221 are resiliently reinforced to their vertical positions by brackets 224 bolted to ribbed vertical structural members 225 located to the right of each (FIG. 1) and bolted to plates 55 and 56 for support, and resilient pads 227 adjacent the columns.

Within each column 220 and 221 is a threaded shaft 229, the upper end of which is rotatably supported in a block 230 and the lower end of which is operatively in engagement with conventional gearing in a gear box 231 (FIG. 17). A wheel 232 is mounted on a shaft 228 which is in operative engagement with both gear boxes 231 for rotation of both shafts 229. A rider nut 233 is a mounted on each shaft 229 which is floatingly received by a block 234 extending into each said column through an elongated slot 235 in each inwardly facing wall of said columns (FIGs. 17 and 19). Secured by bolts 238 to each block 234 is a split loop member 239 which engages the column 221 for sliding movement thereon and one end of the top transverse horizontal member 240 of a frame 236 similar to and for the same purpose as the frame 69 (FIGS. 17 and 18). A second pair of split loop members 241 engages the columns 220 and 221 below the loop members 239, between and to which the bottom transverse horizontal member 242 of the frame 236 is secured. Between the horizontal members 240 and 242 are vertical side members 79, completing the frame 236. A vertical member 237 is secured to the rear edge of each vertical member 79 and extends towards its adjacent column in a transverse plane. To the front edges of the frame 236 is secured a heavy thick plate 245 essentially the same as the plate 80, except it is wider and includes two duplicate sets of four vertical slots 81 instead of one set of four. The operative elements associated with the plate 245 are also essentially the same as those associated with the plate 80, hence, for conservation of printing, the same reference numerals used above have been applied thereto. It is clear from the foregoing that vertical adjustment of the strip feeder 52 is readily accomplished by rotation of the wheel 232. This is necessary to accommodate partition strips 90 of different heights.

The control means for energizing the piston rod 96 of the stationary guillotine structure 52 necessarily does differ from that of the travelling guillotine structure 46. Within a casing 246 mounted to the outer side I of the left end of the plate 55 closed by a hinged lid 247 is such control unit 248 for actuating or firing" the structure 52 to successively assemble transverse partition strips 250 with moving ranks of longitudinal partition strips 90 (FIGS. 1, 17, 29, 30, and 31). Extending into the casing 246 is one end of the drive shaft 251 of the conveyor belt structure 48. Secured to the free end of the drive shaft 251 for rotation therewith is a wheel or disc 252 having a selected scale 253 adjacent the periphery. Removably and adjustably mounted on the periphery of the disc 252 are trippers 254. Freely rotatably mounted on the drive shaft 251 between the disc 252 and the bottom of the casing 246 is a lever 255, a plunger actuated conventional microswitch 256 having a rider wheel 257 being secured to the free end thereof for engagement by rotating trippers 254. At its other end, the lever 255 has a plate 258 secured thereto forming an extension. The plate 258 has an elongated channel 259 with rounded sides. Rotatably mounted in the casing 246 on suitable bearings is a short threaded shaft 260 which is actuated by a hand wheel-crank 261 mounted on one end of the shaft 260 and located below the casing 246. A rider member 262 maintained against rotation is mounted on the shaft 260 for axial movement. A ball element 263 is mounted to the rider member 262 and engages in the channel 259. An L-member 264 is also mounted to said rider member 262 and has an adjustable setscrew 265 in the free end in engagement with the back of the plate 58. Thus, movement of the wheel-crank 261 effects fine rotation adjustment of the lever 255 for establishing the point at which the structure 52 is actuated to drive a transverse partition strip 250 into assembled relation. The trippers 254 are then setaccordingly.

The structural members 225 support a transverse horizontal shaft 266 against rotation by split bearings 267 bolted to the inner surfaces of the former (FIGS. 23 and 24). Twelve split collar members 268 of square cross section are spaced along the shaft 266 for longitudinal adjustment, being maintained against rotation by a spline 269. Each collar member 268 has a pendant web 270 which is bolted to and supports a longitudinal partition strip flared guide member 271 including spaced lower trailing members 273 and of the form illustrated in FIGS. 23, 24, and 26 which receives successive partition strips from a pair of guide plates 205. In tandem with each guide member 271 and above the trailing members 273 is a second flared guide member 272 of lesser height including spaced narrow trailing members 274 which cooperates with the trailing members 273 in directing the assembly area where the transverse partition strips 250 are driven into assembly with ranks of longitudinal partition strips 90 by the overhang 88 of fingers 87 reciprocably mounted on the plate 245. Each guide member 272 is supported by a split collar 268' spliced to and adjustable on a second shaft 266' supported in suitable bearings.

A transverse partition strip magazine or feeder 275 for delivering strips 250 against the plate 245 is located to the left of the stationary guillotine structure 52, which is essentially the same as the above described longitudinal strip magazine 140, except the feeder 275 incorporates integrated twin units to deliver two strips 250 simultaneously in a rank to the plate 245 for simultaneous assembly of two partition assemblies 276, if desired. Hence, for conservation in printing the same reference numerals used on the elements of the hopper are applied to the comparable elements of the feeder 275.

The conveyor belt structure 48 extends substantially the full length of the machine 40, and is mounted to and between the plates 55 and 56 of the elongated frame 42. The conveyor belt structure 48 includes a horizontal elongated table or plate 280 extending substantially the length of the machine 40, which supports the longitudinal partition strips 90 for their full travel from deposit thereon to transfer therefrom as completed partition assemblies 276 (FIGS. 1, 17, 23, and 24). The plate 280 is supported from the plates 55 and 56, as by spaced cross members 281 and cooperating supporting elements 282, or the like. At the left end of the machine 40 is the above described power driven shaft 251 and at the right end a sprocket shaft 279, each rotatably supported by conventional bearings mounted to the plates 55 and 56 (FIG. 1). On each shaft 251 and 279 are mounted for rotation therewith two sprockets 284, one on each side of the plate 280. Trained about each tandem pair of sprockets 284 is an endless chain 285. The top flight of each chain 285 rides on a horizontal longitudinal strip 286 which are also supported from the spaced cross members 281. Removably secured to the parallel chains 285 to permit adjustment are transverse spaced pusher or flight bars 287 for moving ranks of longitudinal partition strips 90 from deposit on the table plate 280 to transfer therefrom as partition assemblies 276. A conventional limit switch 288, which may be an Allen Bradley No. 802 TA 1 W2, having a pivotally mounted depending arm 289 engageable by passing flight bars 287 to momentarily close the switch 288, is adjustably secured to a horizontal bar 283 mounted to the top flange of the frame plate 55 (FIGS. 23, and 24). A direct current electric motor 290 is bolted to a cross brace 291 secured to the plates 55 and 56 at the left of the machine 40 (FIG. 17). A

pulley 292 is secured to the driven rotor shaft 293 of the motor 290 and receives a belt 294, the other end of which is trained about a driven pulley 295 secured to the input shaft of a conventional gear reduction unit 296, also bolted to the cross brace 291. To the output shaft of the gear reduction unit 296 is secured a sprocket 297 about which is trained an endless chain 298, the other end of which is trained about a sprocket 299 secured to the power driven shaft 251 for driving the chains 285 and pusher bar 287.

The present machine 40 is constructed to' assemble precut partition strips 90 and 250 of solid fiber or corrugated board, which is an advantage in minimizing the investment required for assembling both types and in saving on space necessary for two machines as against the present single unit. The machine 40 is adjustable, as is detailed above, in concerned areas, making it possible to handle board of different thicknesses. It is also clear from the foregoing that the machine 40 can as semble successively selectively one or two complete partitions at a time.

The present machine 40 can deposit four partition strips 90 per second in the hoppers 167, hence, delivers twelve strips in three seconds. A fraction of a second is required in reversing at each end, so that a round trip is only about seven seconds.

While the operation of the machine 40 is clear in general to one skilled in the present art, further comment on operation, particularly by reference to FIG. 32, will be helpful. Preliminarily, it is noted that a control box 300 is mounted on the frame plate 55, FIG. 1, which includes a major part of the electrical elements and is the point to which electric power is initially supplied to the machine 40 and from which it is distributed. Mounted at the top of the control box 300 are the operating elements of toggle switches, on and off switches for the conveyor structure 48, etc., as is indicated in FIG. 1.

With reference to FIG. 32, in the control box 300 is a conventional transformer 301, which may be a Jefferson 221-041 250 VA. 440/220/110, which reduces the required supplied line 220 volt current to 1 10 volts for the control circuit. A main toggle switch 302 of conventional design, as a McGill No. 920001, SPDT, is indicated on top of the control box 300 in FIG. 1 and is connected to the secondary of the transformer 301 for energizing and deenergizing the entire control circuit of the machine 40, which is accessible at the control box 300. A toggle switch 303, which may be a McGill No. 9000001 SPST, controls the circuit to a hydraulic fluid pump which supplies actuating fluid under pressure to the hydraulic motor 112. A toggle switch 305,

similar to toggle switch 303, energizes and deenergizes the control circuit of the strip feeder structure 46. A foot switch 306, which is on the floor adjacent the control box 300 (FIG. 1) is also connected into this circuit, as is a relay 307, which includes a coil 307-A and two sets of contacts 307-B and 307-C, and a first conventional hydraulic directional valve 308 (right). Also in the control box 300 is a conventional transformer 316, which may be an Acme TA8I018 l-l/2KVA 440/220/110, to the secondary of which is connected an SCR or rectifier 317, which supplies direct current to the conveyor motor 290 (FIGS. 17 and 32). A conventional manually operated variable resistor having an operating knob 323 is provided as part of the SCR 317 and is operatively connected to the motor 290 for selectively controlling its speed (FIG. 1). For starting and stopping the conveyor motor 290 there is provided two start push button switches 325 and two stop push button switches 326 of the instant action type, one set for the top of the control box 300 and one set for the rear side of the machine 40 (FIGS. 1 and 32).

In the circuit through limit switch is a relay 309 which includes a coil 309-A and sets of contacts 309-B and 309-C and a second conventional hydraulic directional valve 310 (left). The hydraulic directional valves 308 and 310 may be Hannafin hydraulic solenoid valves, or similar valves. In the circuit with the limit switch 256 and limit switch 244 are directional solenoid valves 311 (down) and 312 (up). Similarly, in the circuit with the limit switches 128 and 129 and with magnetic limit switch 98 are directional solenoid valves 313 (down) and 314 (up). 7

Hence, refer to FIG. 32 and assume: electric power is supplied to the power lines; toggle switch 302 is closed energizing the entire control circuit; toggle switch 303 is closed so that the hydraulic fluid pump is functioning, toggle switch 305 is closed energizing the control circuit for the reciprocating strip feeder structure 46; the foot switch has contacts closed; and the structure 46 is at rest at the backside of the machine 40 (FIG. 16) and the limit switch 134 is being operated by the cam 132 on the structure 46, so that its upper contacts, and not its lower contacts, will be closed. Then limit switch 288 is closed by hand to start movement of the strip feeder structure 46, although, of course, normally in automatic operation the switch 288 is tripped and momentarily closed by passing conveyor flight bars 287. As the limit switch 288 is closed, an electrical circuit is completed through toggle switch 305, the foot switch 306, said switch 288, and switch 134 energizing the relay 307 and the hydraulic directional valve 308 (right). Operation of the relay 307 closes its contacts through the normally closed contacts of the limit switch 135, which seals in the relay 307 and said valve 308. Simultaneously, oil flows from said valve 308 through the hydraulic motor 1 12, moving the strip feeder structure 46 from rear to front of the ma chine 40. As the motion starts, switch 134 is open, but the relay 307 is sealed in, hence, motion continues. Switch 288 is now open. During this travel, the strip feeder 46 feeds longitudinal strips into the hoppers 167 below, as demanded by the control actuating its piston rod 96. When the cam 132 actuates the switch 135, the relay 307 is deenergized, as is the directional valve 308 (right) which returns to center. The upper contacts of switch 135 will be closed. The next closing of the switch 288 by a flight bar 287 will complete a circuit through toggle switch 305,, the foot switch 306, said switch 288 and switch 135, energizing both the relay 309 and the hydraulic directional valve 310, left. The

relay 309 seals in through its points indicated by the broken line and the normally closed contacts of switch 134. The strip feeder 46 now moves from front to rear as the directional valve 310, left, reverses the hydraulic motor 112, feeding longitudinal strips into the hoppers 167 below, as demanded. The cycle is repeated as partition assemblies 276 are formed by the machine 40.

Should an operator tread on the foot switch 306 at any time while the strip feed structure 46 is standing, another operation of switch 288 is negated by the then open circuit of the foot switch 306; or should it be operated while the structure 46 is in motion, the latter will continue to the end of its stroke. The next closure of switch 288 will have no effect. Thus, the operator can stop the structure 46 motion to load longitudinal partition strips 90 without using his hands. On releasing the foot switch 306, the next closing of switch 288 will restart the Cross Feed motion.

During the foregoing described normal operation of the strip feeder structure 46, as it moves from the rear to front, the contacts 307-B of the relay 207 are closed, and switches 128 and 98 are successively closed by the trippers 121 the operator has set in place to drop strips 90 into predetermined hoppers 167. The switch 128 closes on its upper contact and the directional solenoid valve 313 (down) starts the piston rod 96 down, the fingers 87 through overhangs 88 pushing downward into the hopper beneath the partition strip 90 adjacent the plate 80. As the piston rod 96 approaches its down limit it closes switch 98 activating the directional solenoid valve 314 (up) and returning the piston 96 to its upper position just as the next tripper 121 closes switch 128, and the cycle is repeated for each tripper 121 to close the switch 128. The edgewise deposited rank of longitudinal partition strips 90 is moved from beneath the strip feeder structure 46 by a flight rod 287 of the conveyor structure 48 in timed relation. On return of the strip feeder structure 46, the trippers 122 successively close the switch 129 for deposit of another rank of strips 90, and the cycle continues.

In the control circuit for the strip feeder 52 is a conventional toggle switch 318 (FIG. 32). With this switch 318 closed and with advancing partition strips 90 interrupting the photocell relay light source 320 (FIG. 24), which is energized whena conventional toggle switch 322 is closed, so the photocell relay contacts 321 are closed, closing of switch 256 by a tripper 254 will cause the piston rod 96 of the strip feeder 52 through its fingers 87 to drive a strip 250 into engagement with the rank of strips 90 passing beneath, the conventional meshing relation being clearly indicated in FIG. 28. This action is repeated for as many transverse partition strips 250 as are required to form a complete partition assembly 276, under action of the trippers 254, and the cycle continues in the automatic operation of the machine 40. It will be understood that the photocell relay contacts 321 normally are open and are closed only when partition strips, or a strip, interrupt the light beam of the light source 320. Hence, the strip feeder 52 is operable only when said strip is interrupted.

It will be understood also that each of the conventional photocell light sources 215 and 320 includes a transformer for reduction of live voltage to supply the required low voltage used in generation of the light beam. I

It is manifest there have been provided a novel machine for a novel method of automatically forming partition assemblies from precut longitudinal and transverse partition strips, together with novel subassemblies and integrated units, which fulfill the objects and advantages sought thereforv It is to be understood that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings have been given by way of illustration and example. It is also to be understood that substitution of equivalent elements or steps, and rearrangement of steps, which will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

I claim:

1. A machine for forming partition assemblies from precut partition strips comprising, in combination, conveyor means for moving ranks of edgewise disposed partition strips to and through an assembly area, means for moving said conveyor means, reciprocatable mechanism for receiving and successively depositing precut partition strips edgewise across said conveyor means in ranks, said mechanism including a support, means for reciprocating said support transversely of said conveyor means, vertically reciprocatable means mounted to said support to reciprocate transversely with it including means for driving a precut partition strip downwardly to deposit it on the conveyor means, means mounted on said support for receiving and holding precut partition strips for successive driving by the driving means, means for actuating said vertically reciprocatable driving means as said support is transversely reciprocated to thereby successively deposit precut partition strips edgewise across said conveyor means in ranks, means for guiding deposited precut partition strips to and through an assembly zone and for maintaining them in edgewise position, means for maintaining deposited precut partition strips in ranks as they are moved to and through an assembly area, and means for receiving and successively driving precut partition strips across each rank of advancing precut strips as it passes through the assembly area to form complete partition assemblies.

2. The combination of claim 1 and including means for automatically stopping said conveyor means upon one or more precut partition strips of a rank becoming cocked up out of normal edgewise position.

3. The combination of claim 1 in which said guiding means are adjustable to accommodate precut partition strips of different thicknesses, said machine being adapted to assemble selectively precut partition strips of fiber board, corrugated board, and the like.

4. The combination of claim 1 and including transversely aligned hoppers beneath said reciprocatable mechanism adapted to successively receive deposited precut partition strips and to direct them onto said conveyor means in edgewise positions.

5. The combination of claim 1 in which said actuating means includes hydraulic power means for moving said vertically reciprocatable means up and down and adjustable control means for said hydraulic power means for preselecting the number of strokes per flight of said reciprocatable mechanism.

6. The combination of claim 1 in which said reciprocatable mechanism includes a substantially vertically disposed plate mounted to said support, said plate including spaced parallel slots, said vertically reciprocating means further including spaced elements mounted for movement in said slots and operatively engageable with the top edges of the partition strips, said spaced elements being in rest position above the lower edge of said plate a distance permitting engagement of each partition strip with the-face of said plate prior to action by said elements.

7. The combination of claim 6 and including means for biasing precut partition strips against the face of said plate to insure firm pick-off by said spaced elements in the depositing action, each element including a pick-off portion operative with the precut strips, said biasing means being adapted to apply a pressure to a rack of strips.

8. The combination of claim 6 and including means for drawing against the face of said plate a partition strip engaging said plate including spaced apertures in said plate, and means for drawing a vacuum effective at said apertures.

9. The combination of claim 1 in which said means for receiving and successively driving precut partition strips across each rank of advancing precut strips includes a capacity for simultaneously driving precut partition strips across aligned multiple ranks of precut partition strips to simultaneously complete multiple partition assemblies.

10. The combination of claim 1 in which said means for receiving and successively driving precut partition strips across each rank of advancing precut strips includes adjustable control means so that the moment of driving each precut partition strip may be preestablished as required.

11. In combination, a reciprocatable mechanism for receiving and successively depositing precut partition strips edgewise across a conveyor means in ranks including a support, means for reciprocating said support transversely of a conveyor means provided therebeneath including means for automatically reversing travel at the end of each flight, vertically reciprocatable means mounted to said support to reciprocate transversely with it including means engageable with the top edge of a precut partition strip for driving it downwardly a predetermined distance to deposit it below, means mounted on said support for receiving and holding precut partition strips for successive engagement by said engageable means, and means for actuating said vertically reciprocatable means.

12. The combination of claim -1 l and including transversely aligned hoppers beneath said reciprocatable mechanism adapted to successively receive deposited precut partition strips and to direct them onto provided conveyor means in edgewise positions.

13. The combination of claim 11 in which said actuating means includes hydraulic power means for moving said vertically reciprocatable means up and down and adjustable control means for said hydraulic power means for preselecting the number of strokes per flight of said reciprocatable mechanism.

14. The combination of claim 11 in which said reciprocatable mechanism includes a substantially vertically disposed plate mounted to said support, said plate including spaced parallel slots, said strip engageable means of said vertically reciprocatable means comprising spaced elements mounted for movement in said slots and operatively engageable with partition strips of different thicknesses, said spaced elements being above the lower edge of said plate a distance permitting engagement of each partition strip with the face of said plate prior to action bysaid elements.

15. The combination of claim 14 and including means for biasing precut partition strips against the face of said plate to insure firm pick-off by said spaced elements in the depositing action, each element including a pick-off portion operative with the precut strips, said biasing means being adapted to apply a pressure to a batch of strips.

16. The combination of claim 14 and including means for drawing against the face of said plate a partition strip engaging said plate including spaced apertures in said plate, and means for drawing a vacuum effective at said apertures.

17. The combination of claim 1 wherein ranks of precut partition strips are deposited across said conveyor means on both back and forth movements of the reciprocatable mechanism.

k i l t 

1. A machine for forming partition assemblies from precut partition strips comprising, in combination, conveyor means for moving ranks of edgewise disposed partition strips to and through an assembly area, means for moving said conveyor means, reciprocatable mechanism for receiving and successively depositing precut partition strips edgewise across said conveyor means in ranks, said mechanism including a support, means for reciprocating said support transversely of said conveyor means, vertically reciprocatable means mounted to said support to reciprocate transversely with it including means for driving a preCut partition strip downwardly to deposit it on the conveyor means, means mounted on said support for receiving and holding precut partition strips for successive driving by the driving means, means for actuating said vertically reciprocatable driving means as said support is transversely reciprocated to thereby successively deposit precut partition strips edgewise across said conveyor means in ranks, means for guiding deposited precut partition strips to and through an assembly zone and for maintaining them in edgewise position, means for maintaining deposited precut partition strips in ranks as they are moved to and through an assembly area, and means for receiving and successively driving precut partition strips across each rank of advancing precut strips as it passes through the assembly area to form complete partition assemblies.
 2. The combination of claim 1 and including means for automatically stopping said conveyor means upon one or more precut partition strips of a rank becoming cocked up out of normal edgewise position.
 3. The combination of claim 1 in which said guiding means are adjustable to accommodate precut partition strips of different thicknesses, said machine being adapted to assemble selectively precut partition strips of fiber board, corrugated board, and the like.
 4. The combination of claim 1 and including transversely aligned hoppers beneath said reciprocatable mechanism adapted to successively receive deposited precut partition strips and to direct them onto said conveyor means in edgewise positions.
 5. The combination of claim 1 in which said actuating means includes hydraulic power means for moving said vertically reciprocatable means up and down and adjustable control means for said hydraulic power means for preselecting the number of strokes per flight of said reciprocatable mechanism.
 6. The combination of claim 1 in which said reciprocatable mechanism includes a substantially vertically disposed plate mounted to said support, said plate including spaced parallel slots, said vertically reciprocating means further including spaced elements mounted for movement in said slots and operatively engageable with the top edges of the partition strips, said spaced elements being in rest position above the lower edge of said plate a distance permitting engagement of each partition strip with the face of said plate prior to action by said elements.
 7. The combination of claim 6 and including means for biasing precut partition strips against the face of said plate to insure firm pick-off by said spaced elements in the depositing action, each element including a pick-off portion operative with the precut strips, said biasing means being adapted to apply a pressure to a rack of strips.
 8. The combination of claim 6 and including means for drawing against the face of said plate a partition strip engaging said plate including spaced apertures in said plate, and means for drawing a vacuum effective at said apertures.
 9. The combination of claim 1 in which said means for receiving and successively driving precut partition strips across each rank of advancing precut strips includes a capacity for simultaneously driving precut partition strips across aligned multiple ranks of precut partition strips to simultaneously complete multiple partition assemblies.
 10. The combination of claim 1 in which said means for receiving and successively driving precut partition strips across each rank of advancing precut strips includes adjustable control means so that the moment of driving each precut partition strip may be pre-established as required.
 11. In combination, a reciprocatable mechanism for receiving and successively depositing precut partition strips edgewise across a conveyor means in ranks including a support, means for reciprocating said support transversely of a conveyor means provided therebeneath including means for automatically reversing travel at the end of each flight, vertically reciprocatable means mounted to said suppoRt to reciprocate transversely with it including means engageable with the top edge of a precut partition strip for driving it downwardly a predetermined distance to deposit it below, means mounted on said support for receiving and holding precut partition strips for successive engagement by said engageable means, and means for actuating said vertically reciprocatable means.
 12. The combination of claim 11 and including transversely aligned hoppers beneath said reciprocatable mechanism adapted to successively receive deposited precut partition strips and to direct them onto provided conveyor means in edgewise positions.
 13. The combination of claim 11 in which said actuating means includes hydraulic power means for moving said vertically reciprocatable means up and down and adjustable control means for said hydraulic power means for preselecting the number of strokes per flight of said reciprocatable mechanism.
 14. The combination of claim 11 in which said reciprocatable mechanism includes a substantially vertically disposed plate mounted to said support, said plate including spaced parallel slots, said strip engageable means of said vertically reciprocatable means comprising spaced elements mounted for movement in said slots and operatively engageable with partition strips of different thicknesses, said spaced elements being above the lower edge of said plate a distance permitting engagement of each partition strip with the face of said plate prior to action by said elements.
 15. The combination of claim 14 and including means for biasing precut partition strips against the face of said plate to insure firm pick-off by said spaced elements in the depositing action, each element including a pick-off portion operative with the precut strips, said biasing means being adapted to apply a pressure to a batch of strips.
 16. The combination of claim 14 and including means for drawing against the face of said plate a partition strip engaging said plate including spaced apertures in said plate, and means for drawing a vacuum effective at said apertures.
 17. The combination of claim 1 wherein ranks of precut partition strips are deposited across said conveyor means on both back and forth movements of the reciprocatable mechanism. 